In the current situation, cooperation is the best way to break the deadlock. Moreover, this has the advantage of effectively avoiding conflict with Zhao An. The Huang family can ignore the competition from other partners and Zhao An, waiting for the right price to rise. They'll support whichever side is in a better position; either way, they'll profit.
It's impossible for a large family to fawn over a nobody. It's either win them over or suppress them—it's that simple. Rising to power is out of the question. Four brands are four brands; there can't be a fifth. Neither Zhao An nor the Southwest Chamber of Commerce will suffice; both must be suppressed.
The Bai family is still discussing, and the Lin family is no exception. However, this time, Lin Dongsheng, the head of the Lin family, scoffs at cooperating with Zhao An. He's already reached an agreement with the Southwest Chamber of Commerce; they'll work together. Four brands are still four brands; as long as one of the other three is taken down, there won't be any problems.
On the contrary, Lin Kaixuan, the most powerful member, has a shifty look in his eyes. He doesn't express his opinion at the family meeting; he prefers to cooperate with Zhao An. As for the Southwest Chamber of Commerce? "Tch, just a bunch of worthless scoundrels, nothing to be proud of. He wants to cooperate with elites, not trash."
After Lin Mei'e told him about Zhao An's changes, Lin Kaixuan took a deep drag on his cigarette. "From now on, you'll work with Zhao An. You'll still be in charge of the herb garden, but give all the shares to your brother. I don't object to your relationship with Zhao An. Remember, if you get pregnant, fight for your own best interests. Don't fight for the family; just focus on being a good wife."
Lin Mei'e looked at her father with some surprise. He used to be a cunning, smiling tiger. Why would he be so generous as to let her become Zhao An's mistress? This wasn't right, very wrong!
Lin Kaixuan wasn't surprised by his daughter's reaction. He smiled mysteriously. "Surprised?"
"Yes, Father, you're not that kind of person." Lin Mei'e still respected her father; at least his ruthless methods were only apparent to outsiders. For the siblings, he was a very, very good father, instilling in them life's principles. Otherwise, they would have long since become like other family members, spending their days indulging in pleasure and squandering their youth.
Lin Kaixuan waved his hand, revealing his signature smiling tiger smile again. "It's different. If you satisfy Zhao An, he'll help you. Then you can bring it up, and he'll definitely be happy to help you. That man only responds to soft words, not hard ones. Your uncle is incompetent, old, and useless; he should step down."
This was Lin Kaixuan's true intention. He had more resources back then, yet he still couldn't defeat Lin Dongsheng. It was because Lin Dongsheng was more hypocritical and a better actor; as the eldest son, he had to tirelessly care for the previous family head before finally securing the position.
If it weren't for the need to prevent turmoil within the Lin family over the years, Lin Kaixuan would definitely have fought for it. With Zhao An's appearance, his dormant thoughts began to stir again. All of this required a plan, and the most important element was Zhao An. Offering his daughter to Zhao An was a given, but how to do it was a matter of skill.
Sending her directly would be looked down upon and considered somewhat humiliating. If she asked for her willingly, it would be a different story.
Furthermore, Lin Kaixuan had a very accurate grasp of Zhao An's mindset; he responded to gentle persuasion, not force. Appeasing him would naturally bring rewards. Even knowing women's tricks, he was willing, and this was why his success rate was higher when he was in a good mood.
Lin Mei'e nodded, "I understand, Dad."
"Okay, go and prepare. Be a good wife; you don't need to worry about family matters. My daughter's marriage is my decision; those old fogies have no right to interfere!" Lin Kaixuan revealed a hint of murderous intent. Those elders and uncles were truly troublesome, relying on their age and power—what use were they?
Elders and uncles were indeed annoying, always interfering. They weren't very useful normally, but when it came to the matter of the family head, they still held some influence.
If possible, Lin Kaixuan would love to kill all those old fogies. But that was just a thought; he couldn't actually do it. He needed another way to subtly convey his message, and that was where Zhao An came in. Zhao An's medical skills could be used as leverage to shut those old men up.
To get Zhao An's help, besides women, other benefits were needed. Furthermore, he needed to get his foolish family head brother to make a major strategic mistake, which he could then salvage. This was extremely difficult, almost impossible. But only something so difficult was worth Lin Kaixuan's effort.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuanyuan had made up her mind. She was taking a gamble. If she succeeded, she would have wealth and honor in her grasp. If she lost, she would leave it to fate, with her family to protect her. So she went to her father's study, where he was working, and proactively shared her thoughts.
"You're going to be with that little bastard Zhao An?" Lin Dongsheng's attitude towards Zhao An was extremely hostile when no one was around. He had been scolded by his mother and humiliated by the matter of the imperial physician, so he had no reason to be friendly towards Zhao An.
"Yes, Father. I want to study with Zhao An for a while. During this time, I want to resign from all my positions in the family business," Lin Yuanyuan nodded.
"No, you can't go anywhere. Avoid seeing Zhao An as much as possible. I've already arranged a marriage for you. The Southwest Chamber of Commerce is rising in popularity recently. Although it doesn't threaten us, cooperation is still necessary. Ba Zhennan, the eldest son of the Ba family, is quite good. Go meet him when you have time. We'll hold an engagement ceremony for you two in half a month." Lin Dongsheng made the decision without any hesitation.
"No! Father, you said you wouldn't interfere with my marriage. Grandma also said I can choose freely." Lin Yuanyuan was startled. Although she was angry about Zhao An's recent behavior... But after being slept with, she was already Zhao An's woman, and her heart belonged to him; she had gradually fallen in love with that despicable man. It might sound a little silly, but that's the truth; women are both complex and simple.